Latest List

“Serial killer, alien high commander, transgender football player, children’s book writer,” reads John Lithgow’s Twitter profile, an accurate depiction of the actor if simply considering his eclectic film, TV and stage roles — and the children’s books that have made him a New York Times bestseller. He may want to add “Winston Churchill,” to the line-up, his portrayal of the man garnering Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice awards for Netflix’s “The Crown.”

Below are John Lithgow's favorite books, available to purchase individually or as as set. See the full list...10

Sabbath's Theater

Philip Roth

This is one crazy book, but I just love it. It’s about a reckless, old, out-of-work puppeteer named Mickey Sabbath who gets himself in all kinds of trouble out of sheer libidinous self-destructiveness. Roth wrote it with exuberant abandon, reflecting the character of Sabbath himself.

9

The Last Lion

William Manchester

Reading Manchester's three Churchill biographies is a mammoth undertaking, but it gives an epic account of an extraordinary life. I took on the role of Churchill recently and Manchester’s magnum opus was my indispensable handbook.

8

Absalom, Absalom!

William Faulkner

I have to include Faulkner. With multiple narrators, shifts in time, and sentences that go on for a thousand words, it is an Everest-like challenge. But its epic story of the doomed Sutpen dynasty is a masterpiece of Southern literature. Read it slowly (you pretty much have to) and savor every word.

Love in the Time of Cholera

Writing Home

Grand lists is a curated arts site specializing in books and movies selected by 100 public figures and celebrities, ranging from designers, musicians, artists, actors, performers and directors, to politicians, novelists, scientists and athletes.